The gathering of D.C. journalists, which had been a top draw for Hollywood celebrities during the Obama administration, took on a different air this year as the new president decided not to attend.

Although the number is relatively large, the substance of the measures tells a different story.

Donald Trump is a man who's made a life out of branding. But as president, the brand is muddled — is he a protectionist looking out for the little guy or has he gone "mainstream"?

Critics cried foul, including the head of the Sierra Club who called Trump's move a "publicity stunt."

"I think people are afraid to put their name on a lawsuit against the president," Jeffrey Lovitky says. "There is a sense that Donald Trump can be very difficult on people who oppose him."

Trump is known for his negotiating in real estate and show business, and the craft of the bluff was key to his Art of the Deal. But when this bluff was called, he did not have the cards or the votes.

Illinois has joined a group of states supporting a temporary restraining order against President Trump’s revised travel ban.Illinois Attorney General Lisa…

The success of the big speech strategy seemed immediately apparent. Media coverage was largely positive, even laudatory. Snap polls showed big majorities found the speech optimistic and uplifting.

When he enters the historic chamber and re-enacts the ritual on Tuesday, he will be stepping into a dimension of real and limitless consequences — one in which he is still a celebrity apprentice.

Surrounded by corporate leaders, President Trump signed an executive action telling government agencies to slash "job killing" rules. Environmentalists argue the move could undo important protections.